Having back pain while sexually active is more common than many people think, but it’s often something that patients don’t talk about. When this happens, it can make sex more difficult and cause frustration for both partners.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your pain and keep you and your partner happy.
Causes
During sex, a woman’s pelvic movements can be more or less stressful on the back depending on her position and the position of the man. Some sex positions increase spinal flexion (bending forward), which can aggravate back pain, while others decrease flexion or arching and may therefore relieve back pain.
Hormonal changes during sex can also trigger back pain in women. The sex hormone oxytocin can cause uterine contractions that cause pain in the lower back, especially if the uterus is tilted backwards. This type of pain is more common during menstruation, but can also occur during non-menstrual periods as well.
Sometimes, pain from genital activity can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases or pelvic conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. In these cases, pain during sex will be accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination and vaginal discharge.
If a person has back pain and tries to have sex, she should be open and honest with her partner about it. She should also be sure to limit her sexual activity to a safe level of intensity, and try to avoid positions that are known to aggravate her back pain. If she continues to experience back pain after sex, it is best to consult with a physician for advice. It is important to note that pain during sex should never be ignored as it can cause problems in the sexual relationship and erode trust.
Symptoms
Back pain can make sexual activity uncomfortable, and for some people it may even cause them to stop having sex altogether. This can have a negative effect on a couple’s relationship. Couples should learn to communicate about their sex needs and try new positions until they find ones that work for both of them. Having open communication will help to reduce tension and prevent the problems that can arise from miscommunication.
In some cases, lower back pain after sex can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. For instance, females with pelvic inflammatory disease may experience lower back pain during sex because of a bacterial infection in their reproductive organs. This condition can cause painful urination and vaginal discharge, as well as other symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, groin area, or lower legs.
Pregnancy can also lead to back pain because of the way that it changes a woman’s posture. This puts extra strain on the back and can contribute to the development of herniated discs. Pregnant women should be sure to talk with their doctors about the risks of back pain during sex and about the positions that may be best for them. In some cases, the doctor may be able to recommend medications that will help alleviate the pain. In other cases, the doctor might suggest some exercises that can help relieve the pain.
Treatment
A woman experiencing pain during sexual activity should visit a gynecologist to rule out pelvic issues such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. She should also seek a diagnosis if the back pain persists or gets worse, as this could indicate a medical problem like a herniated disc.
Physical therapy can help relieve pain from sex-related back issues. The goal of the therapy is to strengthen core muscles and improve posture. This can reduce the strain on the lower back muscles, allowing women to have sexual experiences without putting excessive pressure on their backs.
Over-the-counter pain medication can provide short-term relief. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation, as well as increase flexibility in the lumbar spine. If the pain persists, a doctor may prescribe stronger prescription pain medications or perform a spinal manipulation to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain.
Talking openly about sex and back pain can make the experience more enjoyable for both partners. A woman should explain her back pain to her partner and suggest positions that might be less taxing on the spine, such as a missionary position where she keeps her knees bent. A man should also be open to changing long-standing sexual positions in order to find a comfortable alternative that does not trigger back pain.
Prevention
People with back pain should try sex positions that place less strain on the spine. A physical therapist can suggest suitable positions. Taking a hot shower and taking an over the counter pain reliever before sexual activity can also help reduce muscle spasms that can increase back strain. It is important to communicate with your partner and try different positions to find the one that is most comfortable for both of you.
It is a myth that lower back pain after sex is always a sign of a serious medical condition. It can be caused by simple muscular strain or an underlying condition such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. In such cases, a doctor can perform a pelvic exam and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Sometimes pain after sex may be caused by bacteria forced up into a woman’s urinary tract and result in a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections can cause a lot of pain, especially on passing urine, so it is important to see a doctor for treatment as soon as possible.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and genital warts can also cause back pain in women. These conditions can be prevented by practicing safe sex. Sexually transmitted infections are preventable by using condoms, avoiding unprotected sex and practicing good hygiene. In addition, a person can take anti-inflammatory medications to ease the pain.
